Hear A ‘Montage Of Heck’ Demo Of Kurt Cobain Playing ‘Been A Son’

Writing Kurt Cobain related stories is tricky business. On the one hand, hearing how one of the most lauded discographies in all of rock ‘n’ roll history came together is an interesting and worthwhile pursuit. On the other, there’s the fact that Kurt isn’t around to decide whether or not he wanted these recordings made public, giving the whole show an air of holding up bits and pieces of a dead man for entertainment.

Wherever you fall on the spectrum of ideas about its release, Montage of Heck: The Home Recordings is coming soon. And now you can hear a demo of the much-loved track “Been a Son” that will appear on the album.

In the track, Cobain plays the song’s chords while mumbling a gibberish melody to be filled in later. He even plays the bass line for Krist Novoselic to explain how he wants the song to sound. It’s all very interesting, if more than a little creepy. Montage director Brett Morgen has defended the release from detractors.

“It’s not scraps and discarded, insignificant material. It really is furthering our understanding of one of the most significant artists of our time.”

Montage drops on November 13 in a 13-track CD version and a 31-track vinyl edition.